Why Join A Users Group?

             Lloyd Barber
     Anchorage IBM PC Users Group

Unlike buyers of most other equipment
or appliances, first time owners of a
computer system usually know little
about computers before they buy that
system.

They have heard about computers from
friends or business acquaintances,
have seen them whirring away at the
office doing all kinds of neat
things, and have come to the
conclusion that they have to own one.

For novices, and often for more
experienced operators, the amount and
quality of help received after
getting the machine home will decide
whether they will realize the full
value of their purchase or if it will
sit and gather dust.

Unfortunately, many computer
retailers offer help after the
purchase of the computer only if you
purchase it at the store.  Other
sources of help include books,
manuals, friendly computer whizzes,
courses and users groups.

Not all of these sources are equally
helpful. The best way to get to know
your computer is to sit down at the
keyboard and put it through its
paces, preferably with your friendly
computer whiz at your elbow.

The next best thing to a computer
whiz beside you, is a friendly users
group.  Members of a users group
generally own a computer or are
seriously considering buying one.

As a newcomer to computers, you will
feel bombarded at first, but you'll
pick up jargon soon enough and then
you'll really start to learn from the
other members.  All of them at one
time were also beginners and have
faced the same doubts and problems
you face now.

Other advantages in associating with
a users group are:

1.  You will be able to discuss
    hardware or software problems and
    get your questions answered, and
    sometimes you can try out
    machines or peripherals before
    you buy.

2.  You may trade some public domain
    programs with other members.

3.  You may participate in user
    group-sponsored training sessions
    at very reduced rates.

4.  You may receive discounts from
    various vendors, based upon your
    user group membership.

5.  You will receive monthly
    newsletters which can be very
    helpful to the expert as well as
    the novice.

Active participation by ALL members
of a users group ensures the success
of the group. If the group discussion
is above your head, don't be afraid
to ask them to explain what they are
talking about in terms  you
understand. In the high tech area of
computers, it is all too easy to
lapse into jargon without realizing
it.

If you don't understand what they are
talking about, ask questions! You
will be doing yourself and others a
service.